Minister Zabaneh Pledges Stronger Enforcement on Bus Safety

The tragic death of 38-year-old Gabriel Mai on Independence Day has raised concerns about road safety measures in Belize. Mai was killed while riding his bicycle on Marage Road in Ladyville when he was allegedly struck by the open door of a passing bus.

His mother, Lily Betancourt, has since called for justice and higher safety standards for bus operators. The driver of the bus, Phillip Sutherland, has since been charged with manslaughter by negligence and causing death by careless conduct.

Meanwhile, Minister of Transport Dr Louis Zabaneh said his ministry is tackling the issue head-on.

“About a week ago, I called the head of the police checkpoint at Hattieville because we had to pull over a bus. I personally got out of my vehicle along with the police,” Zabaneh said. “We have told the operators over and over again that it is about the safety of the commuters on all of our buses.”

He said that the ministry has provided three new pickup trucks to strengthen enforcement. “Within the cabinet, we’re talking about a number of potential changes, improvements to the law with motorcycles, with tinting of vehicles, and all these different things that have been plaguing us for so long,” Zabaneh added.

He also pointed to plans for a consolidated bus company under professional management as a long-term solution.